If I were Bunya Jalong... by Carolyn Khor
I was acquitted. Thanks to Augustine Liom and the honorable judges. I did not think it would be that easy actually. Besides, the law is on my side and I have nothing to fear. Having fathered a son at 60 years old, I must say that I am rather proud of myself. After all, how many men my age is still as virile?
Admittedly, I must say that the DNA tests are actually favourable to me. Since it is proven that I am the father, I believe that I have rights over my son. Let me see, that includes access and visitation rights, rights to decide on his upbringing and future, rights to decide his religion and education, etc,…How about joint custody? Of course, they will be asking for child maintenance, but hey, how much can you get out of a father who has none or not much to spare?
Even if I have any money, I will again, seek Augustine Liom's help.
I have also planned out my visitation hours where I will spend time getting acquainted with my son. Of course, I will share with him all that I know about his mother too, the 15 year old girl whom I had the privilege to be close with. How sweet that would be. For the next 18 years, at least, I will have the entitlement as a father to be with my son. How much better can it be when his mother and family will have to be constantly in touch with me and be reminded of my contributions?
And what if my son's mother and her family feel offended by my presence? I guess they just have to bear with it. Nobody can seek maintenance and deny the father's right to see his son. That would be very unjust, would it not?
Ahh.... I can visualise it now. I do not even have to marry my son's mother. Probably a petty amount would suffice to maintain my rights as a father. Rights, rights, rights.... Thank God for man-made laws.
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Carolyn Khor is a freelance writer who writes in her free time. The above piece is meant to sympathise with the victim of Bunya Jalong. She hopes that the victim's family will consider forgoing child maintenance and apply for a restraining order against the acquitted rapist instead.
